Tiger Woods Foundation to host STEM Career and College Conference

The Tiger Woods Foundation will host more than 300 parents and students in grades 7-12 for a free one-day STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) Career and College Conference, Saturday, Sept. 20 at Florida Atlantic University – Jupiter Campus.

“The STEM conference will provide Palm Beach County youth with the chance to explore their interests and discover their potential through a variety of hands-on workshops,” Kathy Bihr, Vice President of Programs and Education said. “Our target audience is underserved students who will benefit from exposure to STEM educational opportunities.”

Conference activities will introduce and encourage students in STEM curriculum, and will guide parents to help their children make these dreams a reality. The workshops are designed for students to experience STEM careers through hands-on, interactive sessions led by local business and community leaders, while parents learn how to support their children through the college application process, understanding financial aid and identifying additional resources.

The Tiger Woods Foundation will bring its STEM-focused curriculum to the conference, which are utilized at its seven Tiger Woods Learning Centers, nationwide. The learning centers offer courses that revolve around STEM careers and strive to show students how their personal interests can develop into an exciting career.

On the schedule for students are a variety of classes to trigger interest in science, technology, engineering and math. FAU Neuroscientists will engage students in interactive demonstrations of genetic mutant animals, their behavior, and the power of optogenetics. Another session by FAU High School teachers and students will provide participants with the opportunity to build their own underwater robotics vehicles which focuses on careers in ocean engineering. Conference participants may also take a class on DNA and the engineering of bridge design, as well as many other sessions.

For parents, the conference will include workshops on financial aid and scholarships, as well as guiding their son or daughter in the college admission process. In addition, the Florida Atlantic University’s Scripps Research Institute and College of Medicine will help parents identify, ignite and support their child’s interest in STEM careers.